Postdoc in high-resolution atmospheric modeling of greenhouse gas emissions

Do you have experience in atmospheric modelling and are you looking for a new challenge in which you can use your expertise to help bring greenhouse gas emissions under control in support of the goals of the Paris climate agreement? 

Please apply at the Department of Earth Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. 

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 0.8 - 1

Dutch researchers join forces in the infrastructure program Ruisdael to study the interactions between emissions of air pollutants and meteorology in The Netherlands. A main goal is to investigate urban greenhouse gas emissions and how to monitor them using atmospheric measurements. To do this, we developed a new version of the high-resolution Dutch Atmospheric Large Eddy Simulation (DALES) model to simulate the dispersion of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from the Dutch Randstad urban area. The next step, and main objective of this postdoc position, is to evaluate the model using data from Ruisdael measurement campaigns, investigate the origin of the observed variability, and use the outcome to improve the model further and support the design of the measurement network.  

Your duties

• to prepare the DALES model for high-resolution simulations of greenhouse gases
• to perform DALES simulations of the Ruisdael measurement campaigns on the Dutch national supercomputer   
• scientific evaluation of DALES using Ruisdael measurements
• to present at conferences and publish in scientific journals      

• a PhD degree in atmospheric research
• experience in the development and use of atmospheric inverse models is preferred 
• experience in programming languages including Fortran and Python
• a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team  
• excellent command of the English language in speaking and writing

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2.846 (scale 10)

and a maximum €4,474 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 2 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• A maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• The possibility to work partly from home (hybrid working).
• Solid pension scheme (ABP).
• Child daycare facilities are available on campus.
• Certain tax benefits (30% ruling) might applied to international candidates.
• Help and assistance with relocation (international candidates).
• Sports facilities, Family support programs including Dual career workshops, Dutch language class, tax & insurance workshop.

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

About the department, institute, project
The Department of Earth Sciences has approximately 35 permanent staff members organized in twelve research groups collaborating in four broad research themes. The Department studies all aspects of the dynamics of the Earth with an integrated approach to quantify the interplay and feedback mechanisms between the interior, surface and atmosphere of the Earth.

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until

. The job interviews are planned for May 2022, when possible please take them into account when applying for the position.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Sander Houweling
Position: Professor
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +31655514090

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